WCDP Election Central – Candidate Information
Rachel Hunt
NC Lieutenant Governor
Candidate Statement:
Senator Hunt is running for Lieutenant Governor to get us back on track, fight for our basic freedoms, create safer communities, and make our education system the best it can be. Hunt is an attorney and a mom, and spent the first part of her legal career working for women and children, defending them in court when on one else could. When she got married and had kids, she spent her spare time volunteering to protect the public school system that would shape her children’s future. When they grew up, she ran for public office, beating a four-term incumbent in the NC House, even under gerrymandered maps – and she hasn’t stopped fighting since. Over the past five years, she’s seen how the Trump Republicans have ruled with little accountability to the people of North Carolina. She’s seen first-hand how far we’ve fallen from the North Carolina that her parents, former Governor Jim and Carolyn Hunt envisioned. She’s running to fix that. North Carolina can and must do better than this.
Importance of this Race:
The Lieutenant Governor is the second highest elected official in North Carolina and they serve as the President of the NC Senate, as well as a member of the State Board of Education and the State Board of Community Colleges. North Carolina deserves to have a Lt. Governor who cares about our state and its people, and who understands that showing up is part of the job. As our next Lt. Governor, her priorities will be investing in our public schools, expanding access to health care, fighting for small town economies and good paying jobs.
Office Responsibilities:
- The Lieutenant Governor is a member of the Council of State, the North Carolina Board of Education, the NC Capital Planning Commission and the NC Board of Community Colleges, and serves as the Chairperson of the eLearning Commission.
- The Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate, but has no vote unless the Senate is equally divided.
- She will perform additional duties as the General Assembly or the Governor assigns.
Issues:
Fighting for Women, Children, and Families:
I’m proud to have started my family right here in North Carolina. As a mom who faced childbirth complications and raised two kids here, and as an advocate for domestic violence victims, I understand the challenges NC women, children, and families are facing. The ongoing maternal healthcare crisis impacts all women and disproportionately impacts Black women. Childcare must be more affordable. It’s past time for North Carolina’s women, children and families to have an advocate in the Lt. Governor’s office, and I will be that advocate.
Ensuring Access to Reproductive Healthcare:
Everyone should have the right to make decisions about their healthcare in consultation with their doctor. Unfortunately, when it comes to women’s bodies, MAGA politicians in NC care more about control than improving the quality of life for mothers and children. As a State Senator, I’ve voted against their attempts to eliminate freedoms North Carolina women have had for more than 50 years. I support and trust women to make their own decisions, without interference from politicians. Further, I support making maternal life-saving measures safe and legal. I will continue to stand up for reproductive rights and fight for access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
Supporting Our Veterans:
As Lt. Governor, I will be wholeheartedly committed to supporting our veterans who have bravely served our nation. It’s essential that we not only honor their sacrifices but also ensure a smooth transition back home. I will work tirelessly to help veterans access affordable housing. As a member of the Board of Community Colleges, I’ll work to connect them with world-class job training programs. Our veterans deserve the best opportunities, and I’m dedicated to making that a reality.